Device for the manual transportation of loads

ABSTRACT

This invention provides a device for allowing a user to transport loads supplied with handles, particularly plastic bags, sacks, bottles packaging and the like. The device comprises a body ( 1 ), substantially annular-shaped, on which an outer surface ( 8 ) is distinguished provided with a longitudinal seat ( 2; 202, 202′ ) into which the handles of the load are placed, and an inner surface ( 7 ) provided with grooves ( 3, 3; 203, 203′ ) configured to hold the fingers of a user. In accordance with the invention, the grooves are arranged on the inner surface ( 7 ) in such a way as to realize two different handgrips ( 3, 3; 203, 203′ ) substantially opposed one to the other, while the longitudinal seat ( 2; 202, 202′ ) is on the outer surface ( 8 ) at least in correspondence of the handgrips.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention refers to the technical field of work or homeaccessories.

In particular, the invention refers to an innovative device thatfacilitates the manual transportation of loads supplied with handles ingeneral, particularly sacks, bags and the like.

BACKGROUND ART

The fact that the manual transportation of loads in general is not acomfortable operation is known. Also in the case in which these resultto be appropriately packed and supplied with handles to be lifted, thetransport can anyway result difficult and even cause hand traumas,mainly in the case of excessive weight. It is not uncommon to see thescene in which a person goes out from a supermarket with various bagsfull of products. It is a common scene to see him/her in difficulty andwith aching hands while he/she tries to reach the car quickly to placethe bags inside it as soon as possible and get rid of the weight.

It is indeed known how the handles of a heavy load (not only plasticbags but also bottles packaging) mark deeply the hands, causing lack ofcirculation and cuts. Above all, in the case of plastic bags and waterpackaging, it is common the case in which the handles tend to taper orto curl, becoming even more cutting.

Currently, the solutions used are exclusively improvised devices ordevices that come handy at the moment. A first solution consists ofsimple spongy bodies destined for the protection of the hands. It isclear how such a solution is poorly functional, since the sponge is notcapable of protecting efficiently in the case of heavy loads and,moreover, it wears out easily.

In other cases, the inconveniences are sought to be overcome with moreor less rigid devices that are similar to simple handles to grip and onwhich to place the handles of the load.

For example, in WO03/032770 A1 in the name of Caretta Augusto, filed on30 Sep. 2002, a closed-ring transportation device is described andcomprising a handle 1 and two hooks 3 configured to hang the loads onit.

It is clear how such a solution is not functional since the load, hangedto the hooks, can be the cause of rotations of the device itself whenthe load is not perfectly centred. In addition, the hanged load can bethe cause of oscillations trigger, making transportation notuncomfortable. Moreover, the handles transmit the load to the devicethrough the hooks substantially in only two contact points. The hookscan therefore result particularly cutting when rubbing the handles,being thus capable of causing the tapering of the same and theconsequent breakage, with all the consequences of the case that areeasily imaginable. Last, such a configuration is not very resistant tothe loads, and the hooks, as structured, are critical breakage points.

In U.S. Pat. No. 5,527,076 in the name of Randels Robert, filed on Mar.11, 1994, a different solution is described comprising a ring-closableflexible element and furnished with a cylindrical seat 8 to receive thehandles of the load. The element results flexible in such a way as tobecome deformed under the load action and allow to close the sides 6 ofthe cylindrical seat 8 around the handles of the load. It is still clearhow also this device is poorly efficient for the pre-established aims.Above all, the handle is easily flexible or deformable under the actionof the load of the bag, thus risking to crush the hands and produce somephysical harm similar to the case of direct bag/hand contact. Moreover,by virtue of such flexibility, when the loads are heavy the handlerarely controls and damps the oscillations. This implies a significantdifficulty in the transportation and a risk of grazes on the hand due tothe strong rubbing friction between the handle and the hand of the user.

WO2006/122109 in the name of Erickson describes a different devicewherein two handles 12 and 14 and a base 16, for example U-shaped, areprovided, within which the handles of the load are placed. The handles12 and 14 can be coupled one to the other by means of clip buttons insuch a way as to allow the transportation of the hanged load.

Such a device is not comfortable anyway when used since, first of all,it is necessary to proceed with the insertion of the load in the base 16and then close the handles 12 and 14. Moreover, mainly because of theload, the close buttons can get damaged, thus impeding the closure anduse of the device.

Last, in US2006/0163894 in the name of Mishek a simple handle isdescribed with a seat into which the handles of the load are inserted.

None of the devices described results versatile when used. They indeedlend themselves badly to very different hand dimensions as well as todifferent handle dimensions.

In such sense, such devices are poorly flexible and not suitable topossible dimension changes.

Moreover, they wear themselves easily and have to be frequentlyreplaced.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

It is therefore the aim of the present invention to provide a devicesuitable for the transportation of loads supplied with handles,particularly plastic bags, sacks, bottles packaging and the like, thatresolves all the above-mentioned inconveniences.

In particular, it is the aim of the present invention to provide adevice that prevents the handles from marking deeply the tissues of thehand, distributing the load on a wider surface and thus facilitating thecirculation.

It is also the aim of the present invention to provide a device that isrigid enough to hold the load hanged, thus avoiding harmful inflectionssuffered by the user and that make the transportation difficult.

It is the aim of the present invention too to provide a device that isparticularly versatile in usage and long-lasting.

These and other aims of the present invention are therefore reached withthe present device to allow a user to transport loads supplied withhandles, particularly plastic bags, sacks, bottles packaging and thelike, as per claim 1.

In particular, the device is provided with a body (1) of substantiallyannular shape comprising an outer surface (8) and an inner surface (7).In correspondence of the outer surface (8) a longitudinal seat (2; 202,202′) is obtained into which to place the handles of the load, while incorrespondence of the inner surface (7) grooves (3, 3′; 203, 203′) areprovided configured to hold the fingers of a user.

By appropriately arranging the said grooves on the inner surface (7) itis possible to realize two different handgrips (3, 3′; 203, 203′)substantially opposed one to the other. Consequently, the longitudinalseat (2; 202, 202′) is located on the outer surface (8) in such a way asto result arranged at least in correspondence of the said two handgrips.In this way, the device results versatile since it is reversible on bothsides. It is therefore possible to use such a device either on one sideor on the opposed side, thus reducing the waste effect and preventingbreakages.

In the case of a simple plastic shopping bag, by inserting the handlesinto the pre-selected seat, these will adhere perfectly to it. At thispoint, it is therefore possible to lift the load. In particular thehandles are obliged to follow the longitudinal perimeter of theannular-shaped body which, precisely by virtue of its ring shape,resists much better to the inflections with respect to what a simplehandle can do. Thus, a user can grip the device from the side of thechosen handgrip to lift the load in a simple and painless manner andwithout the risk that the device itself crushes his/her hand. Inaddition, the risks of cutting and tearing of the bag itself aresignificantly reduced since the annular shape has eliminated entirelythe angular points that are present in the hook devices as described inWO03/032770.

Advantageously, the longitudinal seat (2) can cover the entire externalperimeter (8) of the annular-shaped body.

In that case, there is one continuous seat.

In accordance with such a solution, two widening zones (2′) of the seat(2) can then be provided arranged in a diametrically opposed manner insuch a way as to facilitate the gradual widening of the handle towardsthe body of the load.

This solution favours the integrity of the handle of the load inconditions of heavy weight.

Alternatively, for each one of the two handgrips (203, 203′) arespective longitudinal seat (202, 202′) can be provided arranged on theouter surface (8) in a substantially opposed manner to the relativehandgrip and of a length that substantially coincides with the length ofthe handgrip.

Also in this case, for the same reason stated above, the twolongitudinal seats (202, 202′) can be respectively provided with agradual widening zone (213) for accompanying the opening of the handletowards the load.

Advantageously, the handgrips (3, 3′; 203, 203′) can be of differentlength.

This solution is particularly advantageous to render the deviceversatile and adaptable to different hand dimensions.

Advantageously, the annular-shaped body can comprise a first (4; 204)and a second portion (5; 205) conformed according to a substantiallyoverturned U or C shape.

Advantageously, the longitudinal seats (2; 202, 202′) comprise:

A first (11) and a second lateral wall (11), distanced apart one fromthe other in such a way as to delimit the containment seat (2; 202,202′) for the handle of the load;

A first (12) and a second wall (12) arranged each one respectively ontop of the relative lateral wall in such a way as to realize acontainment edge for the handles.

Advantageously, the longitudinal seats described can be engraved intothe outer surface (8) along its perimeter.

Advantageously, the device described can be realized in an only piece byfusion in a die, for example by fusion of plastic material.

For example, a pressure injection technique or a cure around an innercore of a light rigid material can be provided.

Alternatively, a shaping by means of numerical-control machines ofmaterials in general can be foreseen.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further characteristics and the advantages of the present device,according to the invention, will result clearer with the description ofone of its embodiments that follows, made to illustrate but not limit,with reference to the annexed drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 represents an axonometric view of the invention according to afirst constructive configuration;

FIG. 2 represents a section of the device to highlight the seat forinserting the handles of the load;

FIG. 3 represents a second preferred configuration of the inventionwherein there are only two seats of limited length at the back of thetwo portions constituting the annular-shaped body and relative twohandles;

FIG. 4 represents a view in which the first preferred configurationpresents a tapering to facilitate the widening of the handles towardsthe body of the bags.

FIG. 5 represents an axonometric view of a possible third configurationof the invention.

FIGS. 6 and 7 represent respectively a frontal and lateral view of thethird configuration.

DESCRIPTION OF SOME PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

With reference to FIG. 1, a first preferred configuration of theinvention is described.

In detail, the present device comprising a body 1, generally of annularshape and that comprises therefore an outer surface 8 and an innersurface 7. In correspondence of the outer surface 8 a longitudinal seat2 is obtained, suitable for receiving the handles of a bag or of a loadin general, while in correspondence of the inner surface 7 a series oftransversal grooves 3 and 3′ are provided arranged in such a way as torealize two different handgrips (3, 3′), or handholds, opposed betweenthem to hold the base of the fingers of a hand. Thus, once the handlesof the plastic bag are appropriately inserted in the seat 2, it ispossible to lift the load by simply gripping the device from the part ofone of the two handgrips.

More in detail, according to this first preferred configuration, theannular-shaped body is essentially formed by two portions 4 and 5(respectively a superior and an inferior one) conformed approximately inoverturned U or C shape. Thus, the two handgrips 3 and 3′ arerespectively obtained on the two portions 4 and 5 in correspondence ofthe belly 6, 6′ of the relative portion (or rather of the U or of theC). The longitudinal seat 2, according to such a configuration, isrealized continuous along all the longitudinal perimeter of the outersurface 8 itself. Still, the portion of seat 2 actually bearing thehandles will be that substantially coinciding with the length of thebelly 6 or 6′.

FIG. 1, in particular, represents the case wherein the two portions 4and 5 have the part of belly 6, 6′ of different longitudinal length.Thus, the length of the handles 3 and 3′ obtained results different,guaranteeing two different measures of handgrip with the same device.

FIG. 4 represents a simple constructive variation wherein two wideningzones 2′, diametrically opposed one to the other, are obtainedsubstantially in the junction of the two portions 4 and 5. The functionof the widening zones is that of facilitating the gradual widening ofthe handles of the plastic bag towards to body of the bag itself, thuslimiting the problem of the curling of the same.

A second preferred configuration of the invention (see FIG. 3) foreseesinstead two different longitudinal seats 202 and 202′ of limited lengthand substantially coinciding with the length of the widening zones 203and 203′. Just as a way of example, and therefore not limiting for thepresent invention, the configuration of FIG. 3 represents two differentlengths of the handles 203 and 203′ to allow the adaptation to hands ofdifferent dimensions. Consequently, in accordance with such an example,also the seats 202, 202′ result of a different length, thus adaptingthemselves to handles of different openings. In particular, also the twoseats 202 and 202′ finish respectively with two gradual opposed wideningzones 213 (analogous to that described also in the first configuration)that allow a better adaptation to the handles of the bag that arewidened.

A third preferred configuration of the invention foresees (see FIGS. 5,6 and 7) an annular-shaped body with an only seat 302 that finishes incorrespondence of the base of the ring-shaped body and an only handle303 opposed to the base. Also this configuration (see FIG. 7) foresees awidening 313 in proximity of the base to allow the handles of a plasticbag to gradually widen towards the body of the bag itself.

For all the configurations described, it is also foreseen a possibleconstructive geometry of the longitudinal seat (see FIG. 2). Inparticular, the seat comprises a site engraved on the outer surface 8comprising lateral walls 11 emerging from the base of the seat towardsthe top (which avoid the lateral exit of the handles, keeping themwithin the seat) and upper containment walls 12.

Naturally, the term “annular-shaped” is to be intended in an absolutelygeneric manner, or rather not necessarily linked to a circular shape.Thus, different shapes from the circular one, for example quadrangularor so, can be realized for the purpose and without for this moving apartfrom the present inventive concept.

Having therefore described the device constructively, we will nowprovide, for clarity purposes, indications of the use of the same.Naturally, the type of functionality does not change on the basis of thepre-selected configurations and for that purpose, just for simplicitypurposes, the description that follows refers only to the firstpreferred configuration.

According to the dimensions of the hand, it is possible to choose thelongest handgrip 3′ or the shortest one 3. On the basis of such achoice, the handles of the bag or of the load are inserted internally inthe possible seats 2 obtained longitudinally. The lifting of the load bymeans of the device can therefore take place.

It is clear how the device referred to is extremely useful to allow thelifting and transportation of the load supplied with handles, limitingthe user's hand damages and traumas.

It is also clear how all the pre-established aims of the presentinvention have been reached. In particular, it is clear how theannular-shaped body realized significantly limits the inflections andthe crushing of the device itself, thus avoiding possible damages to theuser. In addition, it is now possible to use two different dimensionswith the same device, which easily adapts itself to different measuresof users and/or loads.

1. A device to allow a user to transport loads supplied with handles,particularly plastic bags, sacks, bottles packaging and the like, thedevice comprising: a substantially annular-shaped body, said bodycomprising an outer surface and an inner surface, said outer surfacecomprising a longitudinal seat within which the handles of the load canbe placed, said inner surface being provided with grooves configured tohold the fingers of a user, wherein said grooves are arranged on theinner surface form two different handgrips substantially opposed one tothe other, wherein the longitudinal seat is on said external surface atleast in correspondence of the two handgrips.
 2. A device according toclaim 1, wherein said longitudinal seat covers the entire externalperimeter of the annular-shaped body.
 3. A device according to claim 2,wherein two widening zones of the seat are provided arrangeddiametrically opposed one to the other in such a way as to facilitate agradual widening of the handle towards the body of the load.
 4. A deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein for each one of the two handgrips arespective longitudinal seat is provided arranged on the outer surfacein a substantially opposed manner to the relative handgrip and of alength substantially coinciding with the length of the handgrip.
 5. Adevice according to claim 4, wherein said longitudinal seats areprovided respectively with a gradual widening zone to accompany theopening of the handle towards the attachment point to the load.
 6. Adevice according to claim 1, wherein said handgrips are of differentlength.
 7. A device according to claim 1, wherein said annular-shapedbody comprises a first portion and a second portion conformed accordingto a substantially overturned U shape or C shape.
 8. A device accordingto claim 1, wherein said longitudinal seats comprise: a first lateralwall and a second lateral wall distanced apart one from the other insuch a way as to delimit the containment seat for the handle of theload; and a first wall and a second wall arranged each one respectivelyon top of the relative lateral wall in such a way as to realize acontainment edge for the handles.
 9. A device according to claim 1,wherein said longitudinal seats are engraved along the externalperimeter of the annular-shaped body.
 10. A device according to claim 1,wherein the device is formed in an only piece by fusion in a die.
 11. Adevice according to claim 2, wherein said handgrips are of differentlength.
 12. A device according to claim 3, wherein said handgrips are ofdifferent length.
 13. A device according to claim 4, wherein saidhandgrips are of different length.
 14. A device according to claim 5,wherein said handgrips are of different length.
 15. A device accordingto claim 6, wherein said annular-shaped body comprises a first portionand a second portion conformed according to a substantially overturned Ushape or C shape.
 16. A device according to claim 6, wherein saidlongitudinal seats comprise: a first lateral wall and a second lateralwall distanced apart one from the other in such a way as to delimit thecontainment seat for the handle of the load; and a first wall and asecond wall arranged each one respectively on top of the relativelateral wall in such a way as to define a containment edge for thehandles.
 17. A device according to claim 7, wherein said longitudinalseats comprise: a first lateral wall and a second lateral wall distancedapart one from the other in such a way as to delimit the containmentseat for the handle of the load; and a first wall and a second wallarranged each one respectively on top of the relative lateral wall insuch a way as to define a containment edge for the handles.